They walk among us

Today is Veterans Day. Originally known as, Armistice Day began in November 11, 1918 when the Treaty of Versailles was signed ending World War 1. Legislation was passed in 1938, November 11 dedicating “that day to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day.” Later legislation changed the wording from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Veterans Day and memorial Day are often confused by people in general. Memorial Day is observed to remember and honor those who have served and who have died. Veterans Day includes those who have died but it is especially set aside to recognize those who have served and are still alive.

In Romans 13 we are given God’s reason for the governing authorities that have been ordained over us as citizens. Remember that when Paul wrote to the Romans it was during the Roman Empire ruled by Caesar and the Senate. There were of course local municipalities that governed as well. You and I live in a Representative Republic…our governing authorities, however, have also been ordained by God with a purpose. While that is a good thing to know and order our lives according to His Word there is something of interest to Veterans Day in verses 6-7. “This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work. Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.”

Honor to whom honor. Today we honor those who have sacrificed time, energy, talent, family, work. We honor those who have devoted themselves to serve on our behalf. Today we honor those who have thought of others before they thought of themselves. Yes beloved, they walk among us. And I for one am grateful. I am grateful to obey God’s command to honor those to whom honor is due. I am grateful that they thought of me before they thought of themselves. I am grateful that they have served / are serving on my behalf. I am grateful for their sacrifices. Beloved, may I encourage you today to thank a Veteran.